Smiles and Such Photography is located in lovely Auburn, Alabama. Owner and photographer, Lysha Stanford, will capture those special moments for you! Smiles and Such specializes in portraits and events, but can do many types of photography.

Who is Lysha?

Lysha grew up in a family of photography lovers. In fact, her father and uncle were both professional free-lance photographers. When gathering for family events, there was a battle for who would get the first family shot. Lysha's enthusiasm for photography has multiplied greatly over the years since she started her own family.

Many people ask how Lysha got her name. Before she was born her Great Grandmother asked her Mom if she had a name picked out. Her Mom had one but wasn't totally sold on it. Lysha's Great Grandmother asked if her Mom would name her Lee-sha Renee. Her Mom and Dad agreed on it and then they got creative and came up with the spelling; L-Y-S-H-A, pronounced Lee-sha.

Lysha is a busy mom of a 7th and 1st grader and uses photography as her outlet. Having taught elementary school for nine years, she has a great deal of patience and love for children of all ages, which is a true asset in photography. Lysha enjoys capturing those "unforgettable" moments among people of all ages. Someone once said a picture isn't "good" unless you have a great story to go with it. Catching those natural, unforced grins and those priceless moments makes photography a huge passion of Lysha's. That's one reason why she loves to take pictures on location. Who wants to sit in a room where you're being asked to pose in uncomfortable positions? When Lysha does a photo shoot on location, you can feel comfortable and just be yourself and at the same time, the camera is quickly capturing those invaluable moments.

Smiling is something that Lysha has been known for throughout her life. Smiles and Such just seemed to be very fitting when she founded the company. She loves to see people smile, so she will do everything she can to keep her customers happy.

Lysha enjoys a relaxed session. It's not fun for anyone involved to feel rushed or pressured during your photo session. She is always happy to take a break for a feeding of a newborn or whatever the case may be.

The type of clothing you wear for your session will be determined by the outcome that you're looking for. Regardless of whether you want a dressier session or more casual look, solid/less complicated patterns are good. Textures such as knits, linen, or denim look great. Lysha always likes a white or black shirt with jeans or khaki pants/shorts. Try not to have nails painted in a bright color as it can be distracting in the photos. Well groomed nails are important.

If you're comfortable and like what you're wearing, then you will be relaxed during the session. This enables you to feel comfortable and in turn, your pictures will come out looking more like the real you, which is Lysha's goal for each photo session. It is totally at your discretion as to how you want to personalize your photo session. Below are some more suggestions for what you should wear.

Maternity session:
The day of the photo session, try to refrain from wearing elastic banded clothing. Wear something close to what you would wear on a normal day. Feel free to bring anything that you find special (favorite shawl, hat, pair of jeans, anything that brings good memories of your pregnancy). Be careful not to wear clothing that is baggy otherwise your beautiful pregnant form will not be accentuated. Tight fitting tank tops work well.

Newborn session:
"Birthday suits" work best to capture those tiny little bodies. If you have a favorite blanket, hat, or toy feel free to bring that, too!

Child session:
Bright, solid colors, and bare feet are my favorite. If you're unsure, just bring a couple outfits and Lysha can help you decide what will look best. If your child has a favorite toy, ball, or doll, bring it along. Those make for the best props.

Couple session:
Jeans and tops that compliment each other are wonderful!

Senior session:
Bring multiple outfits (formal and casual) that express who you are with matching shoes, socks, and accessories to complete your outfits. Make sure your clothing is ironed. Consider bringing things that reflect you and what has been important you and express your interest during your high school years, for example; letter jackets, uniforms, sports equipment, and musical instruments.

Paint your nails with a clear or neutral shade
Style your hair before your session, choosing a comfortable style you know looks good
Apply concealer and powder if necessary, but be careful not to over do it! Portrait retouching on your final order can eliminate small blemishes and under-eye circles.
Apply make-up before you arrive and bring product with you for touch-ups if necessary

--For Guys:

Trim nails
Style your hair before your session and bring a comb or brush for touch-ups if necessary
Consider getting a haircut approximately one week prior to your session
Shave before your session

Lysha is not a huge fan of props unless there is something that you, your child, or family love and want to include it in your photos. Depending on the type of session, she may recommend bringing a special toy or blanket, maybe even a favorite chair. Whenever props are used, they should be something that the kids are familiar with and more than likely something of theirs that they love and will always want to remember.

Lysha likes to use the natural light to capture those perfect moments. She will book sessions in the late afternoons and early evenings for outdoor sessions and late morning to late afternoon for indoor session.

All sessions will utilize natural lighting and will be done "on-location". This could be done at your home, backyard, or your favorite outdoor location. Any session outside a 20 mile radius of the Auburn/Opelika area will require you to cover any travel expenses.

Lysha will post a "sneak peek" on her blog a day or two after your session. She does her best to have proofs available for you within 7-10 days depending on the number of shots that were taken and the amount of post-processing that is needed.

For portrait sessions, your proofs will be posted in a password protected gallery. Lysha will email you with the link. From there you can share the link with family and friend, so that you and others may purchase prints from the session.

For events and other shoots, Lysha will contact you when she is finished processing your prints and provide the link to your photos, so that you may view and purchase them.

Yes, Lysha loves referrals, so for every new client that books a session and makes a minimum purchase because you refer them, you will get a free 11x14. If you refer, 5 new clients you will get a free session. If you refer, 10 new clients you will get a free session plus $50 worth of free prints.